SNP Government 'On Track' to Meet Annual Target of 30,000 Modern Apprenticeships by 2020

SNP GOVERNMENT 'ON TRACK' TO MEET ANNUAL TARGET OF 30,000 MODERN APPRENTICESHIPS by 2020 The SNP Government is 'on track' to meet an annual target of 30,000 Modern Apprenticeship starts by 2020 after exceeding its target of 26,000 for 2026/17 Latest figures show 26,262 people started a Modern Apprenticeship in 2016/17. Of these, 19,847 - 76% - of those new starts were aged between 16 and 24 and the largest proportion, 23% were in the construction industry. Unlike in England, all Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland are attached to a job. Commenting, Patricia Gibson said: "I welcome these figures which show The SNP Government is exceeding our Modern Apprenticeship targets with employers clearly recognising the value of the opportunities they bring to increase skills in our workforce and encourage new talent. “As we work towards our 2020 target of expanding the number of starts to 30,000 each year, we are growing, widening and enhancing the apprenticeship programme to respond to employers’ needs. “This work is paying off as we are among those countries with the lowest youth unemployment rates in Europe and we continue to enhance our Modern Apprenticeships so they bring the right balance of opportunities to suit employers and the workforce. In 2017 we are expanding the number of Graduate Level and Foundation Apprenticeships, giving more individuals the chance to take on work-based learning through universities and schools. “The SNP Government has introduced a new Rural Supplement to help support training provision in more remote areas and we are removing public sector restrictions around apprenticeship funding, increasing the opportunities for apprentices over 25, and enhancing contribution rates for disabled people and those under the age of 29 with experience of care.” Skills Development Scotland chief executive, Damien Yeates, added: “It is great news for young people, employers and Scotland as a whole that we now have a record number of Modern Apprentices. “It is clear that employers are continuing to invest in their workforce and developing skills through employing Modern Apprentices.”